Iris cristata
Botanical Name: Iris cristata (added by D.Kramb, 05-OCT-03)
Botanical Synonyms:
N/A
Classification:
Crested, Evansia, Cristatae, Lophiris (D.Kramb, 05-OCT-03)
Common Names:
Dwarf crested iris (D.Kramb, 05-OCT-03)
Chromosome Count:
2n=24,32 (D. Kramb, 14-SEP-04)
General Description:
3"-5" (7-12cm) tall, with lavendar, blue, or white flowers, with yellow or orange crest (D.Kramb, 05-OCT-03)
Distinguishing Features:
Small hairy rhizomes, corkscrew filaments attached to seeds (D.Kramb, 05-OCT-03)
Preferred Habitat:
In leaf litter of the forest floor, but not heavy shade (D.Kramb, 05-OCT-03)
Hardiness:
Estimated Zone 3-8 (D.Kramb, 05-OCT-03)
Native Range:
USA, Canada (widespread throughout Eastern North America) (D.Kramb, 05-OCT-03)
Appalachian and Ozark Mountains (D. Kramb, 14-SEP-04)
Status in the Wild:
Common (D.Kramb, 05-OCT-03)
Commercial Availability:
Specialty (D.Kramb, 05-OCT-03)
Sources Cited:
Info entered on 14-SEP-04 comes from the SIGNA Checklist of Iris Species. (D. Kramb, 14-SEP-04)
Additional Comments:
One of the most floriferous cultivars I have is 'Sam's Mini'. It has smaller flowers than the typical species but copious amounts. The color is a deep violet and the blooms smother the plants in early May in northern Delaware. (G. Tepper, 30-NOV-08)
Species Iris Group of North America
SIGNA member!